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dahyun08

Jung Da-hyun

Korea Times Politics & City Reporter

Jung Da-hyun is a reporter at The Korea Times, covering social issues in Korea, including foreign residents, education, environment and politics. Driven by a deep interest in people’s stories, she focuses on investigative and feature reporting through direct interviews and field coverage. She received the Amnesty International Korea Media Award for her “Deepfake Crisis at Schools” series. Reach her at dahyun08@koreatimes.co.kr. Always open to hearing your stories.

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Society

Korea University embraces global future with inclusivity initiatives

Marking its 120th anniversary, Korea University has unveiled an ambitious vision to become an internationally indispensable institution, with a mission to contribute to global progress beyond borders. In the short term, the university aims to rank among the world’s top 30, while positioning itself as a model institution that addresses pressing global challenges such as climate change, food insecurity, aging populations and social polarization. "The university has long stood at the forefront of the nation’s development since our founding in 1905, but now, we must expand our role on a global scale by offering tangible solutions to the world’s most urgent issues," Korea University President Kim Dong-one said. He emphasized that Korea University is a place where global talents from diverse backgrounds come together to tackle the complex issues facing the international community, guided by critical awareness, interdisciplinary thinking and innovative problem-solving. In line with its ambitious goals, the university is pursuing strategies that preserve Korea’s cultural identity while s

May 2, 2025By Jung Da-hyun
Korea University embraces global future with inclusivity initiatives
  • Korea University expands international collaboration, network
  • More foreigner-friendly campus takes shape at Korea University
  • Int'l students, faculty praise Korea University’s vision for global campus
Society

Int'l students, faculty praise Korea University’s vision for global campus

As Korea University, one of the country's most prestigious learning institutions, advances its 120th anniversary vision of becoming a global campus, both international students and faculty members say that initiatives like mentoring programs and expanded English-language support are making a real difference in helping them feel welcomed and more integrated into campus life. "I feel like I have a friend I can talk to when I have concerns," said Laura Kozhmuratova, a 20-year-old media and communication student from Russia. Kozhmuratova is among the growing number of international students who have benefited from the Global Study Center (GSC) mentoring program — an initiative designed to ease the transition into university life for foreign freshmen. The program pairs new students with senior student mentors. "My mentor that I met through the university’s GSC mentoring program helped me a lot to adjust to the systems at Korea University," she said. Unlike other club activities or buddy programs, this mentoring program helps international students get useful information for their studies.

May 2, 2025By Jung Da-hyun
Int'l students, faculty praise Korea University’s vision for global campus
  • Korea University embraces global future with inclusivity initiatives
  • Korea University expands international collaboration, network
  • More foreigner-friendly campus takes shape at Korea University
Society

Chungju taps Indian teen as its 1st foreign honorary ambassador

The Chungju city government in North Chungcheong Province has appointed Samhith Koppula, a high school student of Indian nationality, as its first foreign honorary ambassador. This marks a step forward in the city’s efforts to promote international cultural exchange. Koppula, born to Indian parents, arrived in Korea at just five months old and has spent nearly his entire school years in Chungju. Reflecting on his memories, he shared that the friendships he formed and the experiences he enjoyed — from eating tteokbokki with friends to playing sports at school and studying in Korea’s educational environment — have all made Korea feel like his second home. While he feels a deep connection to Korea, Koppula remains closely tied to his Indian roots. "Even though I came to Korea when I was very young, my parents and other family members are all Indian, and I visit India during every school break," Koppula told The Korea Times. "So I do have my identity as Indian, but Korea definitely is my second home." As an honorary ambassador, Koppula wishes to serve as a cultural bridge, promoting C

May 1, 2025By Jung Da-hyun
Chungju taps Indian teen as its 1st foreign honorary ambassador
Politics

PPP narrows down presidential candidates to 2

Former Labor Minister Kim Moon-soo and former People Power Party (PPP) leader Han Dong-hoon advanced on Tuesday as the final two contenders set to face off in the PPP's final round of primary this Saturday. PPP Rep. Ahn Cheol-soo and former Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo were eliminated in the second-round primary. The rankings and vote percentages of each contender were not disclosed, leaving it unclear which of the two finalists secured more support. With no candidate securing a majority in the second round of the primary, a final runoff between Kim and Han will be held to determine the party’s presidential nominee for the June 3 presidential election. Kim emphasized that he would carry forward the pledges of Ahn and Hong, saying he would move on to the next step with the many dreams Hong aspired to achieve and with his passion. "I will do my best to overcome the current crisis facing Korea and help the country become a great nation," Kim said. Han stressed the importance of confronting Lee Jae-myung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), as a unified team. Desp

Apr 29, 2025By Jung Da-hyun
PPP narrows down presidential candidates to 2
Society

Seoul Plaza to undergo makeover with more trees, garden

The Seoul Metropolitan Government revealed plans Monday for a major renovation of Seoul Plaza in front of City Hall, the first in 21 years. Drawing inspiration from Madison Square Park in New York, the city plans to transform Seoul Plaza into a garden-like square, providing space for performances, events, relaxation and strolls. Opened in May 2004, Seoul Plaza has become a popular venue for various events and festivals, attracting both residents and tourists. However, it has long been criticized for lacking shade and resting areas. In response, the city government plans to enhance the plaza’s greenery by planting six large zelkova trees in addition to the existing 24 pine trees to provide more shaded areas. Around 300 movable planters containing trees, such as Korean maple and rowan, have also been placed around the plaza. A photo zone will also be set up on one side of the plaza, allowing visitors to take photos with a mirrored view of City Hall in the background. The plaza's surface will also undergo an eco-friendly transformation. The existing lawn, which has been damaged repeatedly

Apr 28, 2025By Jung Da-hyun
Seoul Plaza to undergo makeover with more trees, garden
Society

Ex-president’s dogs become financial burden for Seoul Grand Park

Two Central Asian shepherd dogs gifted to former President Yoon Suk Yeol by Turkmenistan during his state visit have become an unexpected financial burden on Seoul Grand Park, as it bears annual care costs totaling nearly 6.7 million won ($4,656). Although the two dogs, Happy and Joy, are officially classified as assets of the presidential office and eligible for archival status, their care expenses have been assigned to Seoul Grand Park rather than the Presidential Archives under the presidential office and the Ministry of Interior and Safety. According to the data submitted Sunday to Rep. Yang Bu-nam of the Democratic Party of Korea, the park's annual expenses for managing the dogs are expected amount to approximately 6.69 million won. This includes 1.36 million won for food, 1.32 million won for veterinary care and about 4 million won in labor costs. The park has been caring for the dogs since November last year, following an agreement signed on Nov. 8 with the Presidential Archives. Happy and Joy would normally be transferred to the Presidential Archives, but since they lack the fac

Apr 28, 2025By Jung Da-hyun
Ex-president’s dogs become financial burden for Seoul Grand Park
  • 'Who let the dogs out?' Central Asian shepherds gifted to impeached leader now in zoo
Society

Marathon mania leaves Seoul residents fuming on the sidelines

As spring marathons take place across Seoul, residents in the capital are growing increasingly frustrated with the constant road closures and traffic disruptions that have become a frequent inconvenience. One of those affected was Kim Ji-hoon, a 34-year-old office worker living near southeastern Seoul's Jamsil. He was invited to a close friend's wedding last month, but faced difficulties reaching the venue due to marathon-related road closures. The 2025 Seoul Marathon caused significant traffic disruptions, with major roads in Jamsil being closed for nearly six hours from 7:45 a.m. to 1:35 p.m. "I don’t understand why they have to designate major roads as marathon courses. Even if it’s a hobby or an event, constantly inconveniencing others is inconsiderate," Kim said. "I left home early, but I was still late for the wedding because of the heavy traffic." Marathon-related road closures in Seoul frequently affect areas like Jamsil, Yeouido, Jongno and Gwanghwamun — some of the city’s busiest districts. As a result, people who need to travel through these areas on weekends often enc

Apr 27, 2025By Jung Da-hyun
Marathon mania leaves Seoul residents fuming on the sidelines
Politics

Ex-President Moon Jae-in indicted on bribery charges

Prosecutors indicted former President Moon Jae-in on Thursday on bribery charges linked to allegations that he used his influence to help his former son-in-law land a job at a Thai airline reportedly controlled by a former lawmaker of the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK). Moon was indicted for bribery, while former lawmaker Lee Sang-jik was indicted for bribery and breach of trust, according to Jeonju District Prosecutors' Office. The case centers on allegations that Moon used his influence to help his former son-in-law, surnamed Seo, obtain a position at Thai Eastar Jet — a low-cost airline in Thailand that was reportedly controlled by Lee, a lawmaker-turned-businessman, from 2018 to 2020. Prosecutors allege that Moon exploited his presidential authority to extend preferential treatment to his daughter and son-in-law, characterizing the move as an abuse of power for personal benefit. Prosecutors had been investigating whether Lee’s appointment as head of the SMEs and Startups Agency was part of a quid pro quo arrangement, for which Moon’s former son-in-law secured a job and salary

Apr 24, 2025By Jung Da-hyun
Ex-President Moon Jae-in indicted on bribery charges
Society

'Don’t wait until we are all gone': Former sex slaves demand justice now

Lee Young-soo slams stalled reparations, saying justice can’t come from silence money With only seven known survivors of Japan’s wartime sex slavery still alive in Korea, the urgency to resolve the issue is mounting. For 97-year-old Lee Young-soo, one of the most vocal advocates among the victims, which Japan euphemistically calls "comfort women," time is running out — but justice still feels out of reach. During World War II, the Japanese military forcibly conscripted tens of thousands of young women to serve as sex slaves for soldiers on the front lines. Many were deceived with false promises of employment or education, only to endure relentless sexual violence, physical abuse and deep, lasting psychological trauma. Even at nearly 100 years old, Lee vividly remembers the moment she was abducted when she was just 14 years old. That night, while sleeping at her home, she noticed a soldier pressing down on a young girl’s neck outside of her house. The girl began signaling to her. "At first, I thought she was just trying to get my attention for fun," Lee recalled. But when she stepped

Apr 22, 2025By Jung Da-hyun
'Don’t wait until we are all gone': Former sex slaves demand justice now
Society

Return home brought no relief for former sex slaves

During World War II, tens of thousands of young women were forcibly taken to serve as sex slaves for the Japanese military's frontline troops. Many were lured with false promises of jobs or education, only to face repeated sexual assault, physical abuse and lasting psychological trauma. For many, the end of the war did not bring an end to their suffering. Returning home offered no peace. Shunned and silenced, the victims, which Japan euphemistically refers to as "comfort women," were forced to bury their pasts, living out their lives in quiet anguish and carrying a pain that few were willing to acknowledge. "I can’t put all the things into words," said Park Pill-keun, 97, one of the survivors of wartime sex slavery. Her words carried the weight of a lifetime marked by pain, silence and hardship. The youngest of nine children, Park was only 16 when the Japanese military took her. Her parents were out farming, and she was playing with her siblings when soldiers seized her. She had no idea where she was being taken — only that she boarded a ship in Busan bound for Japan. When asked about

Apr 20, 2025By Jung Da-hyun
Return home brought no relief for former sex slaves
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